wiring a second light from one switch

[GarryEllam]

Hi, I'm a new member and i have a (hopefully) simple question:

I want to fit an extra ceiling light in the bedroom, worked from the existing switch. The existing ceiling rose is fed by 3 red wires, 1 black and 2 earth. Do I just run 1 of each colour (using standard twin and earth cable) to the new ceiling rose? Thanks.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Do I understand that you want to add a second light that will come on at the same time as the existing light?

If so, just run a piece of twin & earth cable from the existing ceiling rose (connected to the same terminals as the existing lamp) to the second rose.
There is a drawing of this in the WIKI. At http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:parallel

It is a mmuch bigger issue if you want to switch them separately.

 

[GarryEllam]

Yes, that's right. Do i connect up the earth as well?

 

[GaryMo]

Yes!

 

[GarryEllam]

Thanks for that! I thought it may be so simple, but you never know .....

 

[Johnmelad502]

Do I understand that you want to add a second light that will come on at the same time as the existing light?

If so, just run a piece of twin & earth cable from the existing ceiling rose (connected to the same terminals as the existing lamp) to the second rose.
There is a drawing of this in the WIKI. At http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:parallel

It is a mmuch bigger issue if you want to switch them separately.

Is it me or is that diagram a bit misleading for a novice? It seems to suggest conecting the new light to the supply (CU or previous light) with no switch connection shown.

 

[Spark123]

It's a wiki, feel free to change it.

 

[Taylortwocities]

OK, here's a different diagram. Also on the WIKI...

http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:single_way_lighting

Scroll to the last diagram conveniently titled

"2 Lights on one switch using loop in method"

 

[Johnmelad502]

OK, here's a different diagram. Also on the WIKI...

http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:single_way_lighting

Scroll to the last diagram conveniently titled

"2 Lights on one switch using loop in method"

Even worse, now the bulbs are floating upwards!

Only joking, verey good

 

[conny]

Think the first diagram is easier for a novice to follow but something you all forgot to tell him.

Isolate the circuit at the consumer unit first!
Just because you switch off at the switch does not make the ceiling rose dead.

 

[Johnmelad502]

Think the first diagram is easier for a novice to follow

Why?

 

[conny]

Why?

Simply because he is only connecting from one rose to another and doesn't need to see how they are wired back to the switch if he is controlling both lights with the one switch.
Unnecessary detail basically.